Sul tasto

This technique involves drawing the bow over the part of the string above the fingerboard, away from the bridge. This position produces a softer, warmer, more diffuse sound, with fewer high harmonics.

The effect can be intensified by moving the bow even further toward the fingerboard. When m.s.t. (molto sul tasto) is indicated, the bow should be placed very close to the end of the fingerboard, emphasizing the timbral characteristics of this technique. There can also be an intermediate point between this technique and ord.: p.s.t., poco sul tasto.